Ball-type dispensing package



NOV. 3, 1959 w, ,sc cl- ETAL 2,910,712

BALLTYPE DISPENSING PACKAGE Filed April 25. 1956 INVENTO S Mzaue 4*! (IA 416$ C.

( 1 J W A ORNEYS 2 United States Patent 2,910,712 BALL-TYPE DISPENSING PACKAGE Wllbur A. Schaich and moan! c. Gasmlre, Toledo, Ohio,

floral?!) Owens-Illinois Glass Company, a corporaof 0 Application April 23, 1956, Serial No. 579,832

8 Claims. (CI. 15-132-7) This invention relates generally to an improved dispensing package and more particularly to a dispensing package having an improved ball-type applicator assembly and closure therefor.

A principal object of the present invention is the provision of a liquid dispensing package characterized by a ball-type applicator for rolling the liquid contents of said package upon a selected surface in a smooth and uniform manner.

A further object of the present invention is the pro vision of a liquid dispensing package, having the above described characteristics, which is equipped with a universally rotatable ball applicator to facilitate the manipulation of the applicator, particularly when applying the liquid upon surfaces having an irregular configuration.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of an outer covering or closure which will cooperatively seal with the applicator assembly when the closure is tightly connected with the container.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of a closure for a ball-type applicator, having the above described characteristics, which will permit the applicator to be precoated with the liquid within the dispensing package prior to each use and before the closure is removed from the applicator.

A still further object of the present invention is the which will permit the applicator to be used for applying viscid type liquids without incurring a hardening and caking of residual liquid remaining upon the applicator after each use.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of a reusable ball-type applicator which is reusable with a plurality of dispensing containers having identically formed neck portions.

The specific nature of this invention, as well as other objects and advantages thereof, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the annexed sheet of drawings on which, by way of preferred example only,

are illustrated various embodiments of this invention.

On the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary elevational view in central section, representing a dispensing package constructed in accordance with the present invention and showing the functional aspect of the dispensing package in its relative closed position.

Fig. 2 represents a dispensing package identical with that represented in Fig. 1, but showing the functional aspect of the dispensing package intermediate its relative closed and opened positions.

Fig. 3 represents a sectional view taken substantially along the line 33 in Fig. 1, with the ball omitted.

Fig. 4 represents a fragmentary partially sectioned elevational view of a modification of the dispensing package illustrated in Figs. 1-3.

With reference to Fig. 1, there is fragmentally illustrated the neck portion of a conventional'container provision of a closure for use with a ball-type applicator 2,910,712 Patented Nov. 3, 1959 suitable for retaining a liquid therein. The neck 10 has a generally cylindrical configuration, and defines a dispensing opening 10a extending axially therethrough and communicating with the hollow interior of the container. As best illustrated in Fig. 2, integrally formed with the outermost end of the neck 10, there is an outwardly protruding retaining lip 10b. lnwardly of the retaining lip 10b, an enlarged outer diameter portion 10c of the neck 10 defines conventional external threads 10d.

A spherical ball 11, which may be constructed from glass, plastic, or other suitable material is also provided for rolling the liquid dispensed from the neck 10 upon a surface to be coated with said liquid.

To maintain the ball 11 in a dispensing relationship relative to the neck 10, there is provided an annular ball depository or fitment 12 which may be constructed from a resilient elastomeric material such as polyethylene, rubber, or other suitable material having similar elastic properties. Formed on one end of the depository 12 there is a hollow neck engageable end 12a which is shaped to slip snugly over the neck 10 and be retained thereon by an interior recess 12b, defined within said neck engageable end 12a, which is engageable with the retaining lip 10b in snap fit relationship. Extending the entire axial length of the depository 12 there is a centrally defined bore 12c which is axially registerable with the; dispensing opening 10a to form an intercommunicating passage extending from the interior of the container to the outer end 12d of the depository l2. Integrally formed with the outer end 12d there is an inwardly projecting frustoconical retaining rim 12s diametrically restricting the outer end of the bore 12c to a smaller diameter than the ball 11. Projecting internally into the bore 12c, and interspaced between the axial ends thereof, is at least one tapered lug 12 providing gravitational support for the ball 11. Four such lugs are illustrated in Figs. 1-4 spaced about the periphery of the bore 120. These lugs :12, are integrally formed with the depository 12 and have substantially the same elastic properties possessed thereby. Additionally, the lugs 12 are so arranged within the bore that the axial displacement of the lugs 12f from the retaining rim 12s is less that the diametrical measurement of the ball 11, but greater than the radial measurement thereof.

The ball 11 is seatable upon the lugs 12f by forcibly distending the retaining rim 12c and inserting the majority portion 111: of the ball 11 therethrough. When the ball 11 is thus seated upon the lugs 12], the elastic properties of the retaining rim 12c urge it into sealing contact with the surface of the ball 11 and snugly confines the majority portion 11a within the socket cooperatively defined by the lugs 12f, the retaining rim 12c, and the bore 120. The remainder of the ball 11, or minority portion 11b, is permitted to protrude from the bore 120 to function as an applicating surface. The sealing contact between the retaining rim He and the surface of the *ball 11 serves to prevent leakage of liquid around the ball 11 in the event the container should be overturned during use. However, this seal may easily be disengaged by merely depressing the ball 11 against the lugs 12 which will elastically yield a small amount to permit the ball 11 to be axially shifted out of contact with the retaining rim 12c. Ordinarily, only a slight pressure exerted upon the ball 11 during the application of the liquid will be sufiicient to depress the ball 11 out of sealing contact with the retaining rim 12c, and the seal will not therefore unduly interfere with the normal use of the applicator. The tapered surfaces 12g provided by the lugs '12) wedgingly oppose the ball 11 as it is depressed to an extent sufiicient to retain the ball 11, even when depressed, in a position proximately adjacent to the retaining rim 12s. Thus, only a thin film of liquid will be permitted to pass between the ball 11 and the retaining rim 12c even when the ball 11 is depressed for applicating purposes.

A closure 13 for isolating the assembled ball 11 and depository 12 from the atmosphere during periods of non-use is also provided. The closure 13 has a substantially rigid construction which may be molded from glass or plastic and defines a conventional cup shaped configuration. In many instances, the closure 13 may also be successfully formed from a thin sheet of metallic material. The closure 13 is internally threaded with conventional internal threads 13a which are threadably engageable with the external threads d formed on the container neck 10. The closed end portion 13b of the closure 13 is designed to function cooperatively with the frusto-conical outer end 12d of the depository 12 to form an air-tight inner seal, and to concurrently distend the retaining rim 12c away from the ball 11, as the closure is threadably tightened upon the container neck 10. It will be observed from Figs. 1, 2, and 4 that the interior surface of the closed end portion 13b defines a centrally positioned spherical shaped cavity 13c. Surrounding the cavity 130 there is an annular bead or sealing area 13d protruding inwardly from the closure 13 and which is aligned to register with the outer end 12d of the depository 12.

As best illustrated in the modification represented by Figs. 1 and 2, a disk shaped gasket 14 may be provided which may be fabricated from rubber, plastic, or other suitable elastic gasket material. Spaced axially inward from the threaded portion 13a of the closure 13, there is an internally defined annular notch 13a for marginally supporting the gasket 14 in an adjacent overlying relationship relative to the sealing area 13d and cavity 130. Comparing Figs. 1 and 2, it will be observed that as the closure 13 is threadably tightened upon the container neck 10, the gasket 14 is marginally pinched between the sealing area 13d and the outer end 12d of the depository 12, while the central portion of the gasket 14 is stretchably deformed into intimate contact with the minority portion 11b of the ball 11, to thereby form an air-tight inner seal isolating the ball 11 and depository 12, as well as the liquid contents of the container, from the atmosphere. The use of the gasket 14 is particularly advantageous where an exceptionally tight seal is desired, such as when the liquids to be applied are expensive perfumes or colognes or other similar volatile substances.

However, in many instances the use of the gasket 14 may not be necessary and may even be undesirable such as when viscid or sticky liquids are to be applied. In the modification represented by Fig. 4, the gasket is purposely omitted, and the closure 13 is positioned in its relative closed position with the sealing area 13d sealingly engaging and distending the retaining rim 12d in substantially the same manner as illustrated in Fig. 1. However, as distinguished from Fig. 1, the minority portion 11b of the ball 11 and the cavity 13c are spaced apart to define an arcuate space between the ball 11 and the closure 13. This arcuate space or moistening chamber is particularly advantageous when viscid or sticky liquids, and creamy emulsions, such as liquid cosmetic creams, deodorants, and other similar preparations are to be applied. The arcuate space between the minority portion 11b of the wall 11 and the closure 13 is interconnected with the interior of the container and permits the minority portion 11b of the ball 11 to be exposed to the liquid vapors circulating within the container. These liquid vapors tend to impede the hardening and caking tendencies of any residual viscid or sticky material remaining upon the minority portion 11b after each liquid application. Furthermore, by merely inverting the container, the minority portion 11b may be coated with liquid and be ready for immediate use upon removal of the closure 13 from the container.

From the foregoing detailed description it becomes quite evident that the ball-type applicator herein described presents many novel and distinct advantages.

An outstanding advantage of this invention resides in the self-sealing characteristics of the applicator when the closure is removed, which prevents the liquid contents of the container from leaking in the event that the container should be accidentally overturned.

Another particular advantage arising from this invention is the speed of application of the liquid contents of the container presented by the ability to precoat the exposed portion of the ball by merely inverting and shaking the container immediately prior to removal of the closure.

It will, of course, be understood that various details of construction may be modified through a wide range without departing from the principles of this invention, and it is, therefore, not the purpose to limit the patent granted hereon otherwise than necessitated by the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

I. A dispensing package comprising; a container having a neck defining a dispensing opening, said neck having an external threaded portion and a peripheral retaining lip axially outward of said threaded portion; an annular ball depository of resilient elastomer having a neck engageable end, an outer end axially opposite said neck engageable end, and an internally projecting lug interspaced between said ends, said neck engageable end being cooperable with said retaining lip to maintain said neck and said ball depository in secured relationship, and said outer end having an inwardly projecting annular retaining rim defining an aperture, said retaining rim being elastically distensible to enlarge said aperture; a ball diametrically larger than said aperture, a majority portion of said ball being insertable through said aperture to occupy a nestable position between said lug and said retaining rim and in scaling relation with said rim, a minority portion of said ball protruding outwardly from said retaining rim to define an applicator surface, whereby normal applicating pressure on said ball axially displaces said ball from sealing engagement with said rim; a cup shaped closure constructed to surround said ball depository and threadably engage said threaded neck portion, and an annular sealing area in said closure sealingly engageable with said retaining rim and shaped to distend said retaining rim out of sealing engagement with said ball and into sealing engagement with said closure as said closure is threadably engaged with said neck.

2. The combination defined in claim 1 wherein the axial end surface of said retaining rim is of frusto-conical configuration and said annular sealing area is conformably shaped to exert a radially outward distending force on said retaining rim.

3. The combination defined in claim 1 including a thin resilient gasket, said gasket being insertable into said closure and snugly positionable therein to overlay said annular sealing area whereby said gasket forms an airtight seal between said annular sealing area and said retaining rim as said closure is threadably engaged with said neck.

4. A ball applicator package comprising a container having a threaded neck defining an opening, an applicating ball overlying the opening of said neck, an annular fitment of resilient material surrounding said ball and confining same in said position overlying said neck opening, means on one axial end of said fitment for securing said fitment to said container neck, the other axial end of said fitment being of smaller diameter than said ball and having a minor portion of said ball projecting axially outward therefrom when the fitment is assembled on said neck, an internally threaded cup-shaped closure constructed to surround said fitment and engage said container threads, and an annular sealing surface in said closure sealingly engageable with said other axial end of said fitment as said closure is threaded onto said neck and shaped to distend said other axial end of said fitment away from said ball.

5. A ball applicator package comprising a container having a threaded neck defining an opening, an applicating ball disposed in said opening of said neck, an annular ball retainer on said neck surrounding said ball, the outer axial end of said annular ball retainer being flexible and of smaller diameter than said ball and normally engaging said ball andconfining same in said neck opening for rotatablemovements relative to said neck, said outer axial end also having a portion of said ball projecting axially outward therefrom, an internally-threaded cup-shaped closure constructed to surround said ball retainer and engage said container threads, and an annular surface in said closure sealingly engageable with said outer axial end of said ball retainer as said closure is threaded onto said neck, said annular sealing surface being conically shaped to distend said outer axial end of said ball retainer out of engagement with said ball.

6. A ball applicator package comprising a container having a threaded neck defining an opening, an applicating ball disposed in said opening of said neck, an annular ball retainer of resilient material secured to said container and surrounding said ball, the outer axial end of said annular ball retainer defining an internal annularsealing surface of smaller diameter than said ball and confining same in said neck opening for rotatable movements relative to said neck, said outer axial end also having a portion of said ball projecting axially outward therefrom, an integral internal projection formed on said annular ball retainer and engageable with said ball to urge said ball axially outwardly into sealing engagement with said annular sealing surface, an internally-threaded cup-shaped closure constructed to surround said ball retainer and engage said container threads, and an annular internal surface in said closure sealingly engageable with said outer axial end of said ball retainer as said closure is threaded onto said neck, said annular sealing surface being shaped to radially distend said outer axial end of said ball retainer and break the sealing engagement between said retainer and said ball.

7. A ball applicator package comprising a container having a neck, said neck having fastening means on the external surface thereof and defining an opening communicating with the interior of said container, an applicating ball disposed in the path of said neck opening, an annular ball retainer on said neck housing said ball and confining same in the path of said neck opening for rotat able movement relative to said neck, the outer axial end of said annular ball retainer being flexible and of smaller diameter than said ball and having a portion of said ball protruding axially outward therefrom, a cup-shaped closure constructed to surround said ball retainer and having means thereon cooperable with said neck fastening means to detachably fastentsaid closure to said neck, said closure having a concentric annular bearing member sealingly engageable with said outer axial end of said ball retainer when said closure is fastened to said neck, said annular bearing member being conically shaped to distend said outer axial end of said ball retainer away from said ball as said closure is fastened to said container neck.

8. A ball applicator package comprising a container having a neck, said neck having fastening means thereon and defining an opening communicating with the interior of said container, an applicator ball disposed in the path of said neck opening, an annular ball retainer on said neck housing a majority portion of said ball and confining same in the path of said neck opening, the outer axial end of said ball retainer being flexible and of smaller diameter than said ball to retain samein assembled relationship with a minority portion of said ball exposed, a cup-shaped closure constructed to surround said ball retainer and having fastening means thereon for detachably fastening said closure to said neck fastening means, said closure defining an internally recessed end surface marginally surrounded by an annular bearing member, said annular bearing member defining a wedge-shaped outwardly facing bearing surface operable to distend said outer axial end of said ball retainer away from said ball as said closure is fastened to said container neck, said recessed end surface cooperating with the exposed surface portion of said ball to define a moistening chamber therebetween, whereby said moistening chamber is maintained in communication with the interior of said container when said closure is fastened to said container neck..

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,362,431 Machles Dec. 14, 1920 1,977,414 Testa Oct. 16, 1934 2,122,580 Morris July 5, 1938 2,700,784 De Brock Feb. 1, 1955 2,749,566 Thomas June 12, 1956 

